September 2026
A Note from the Editor:
September has already been a big month for Center Stage Jackson, and we’re heading straight into an even bigger October.
First, thank you to everyone who came out for The Guys. This production gave us the opportunity to recognize the 25th anniversary of September 11 while supporting the people who continue to serve our own community. Because of your support, Center Stage Jackson was able to donate $1,000 each to our local fire, police and emergency services – $3,000 total.
We feel really good about this! Thank you to Kary Swiontek and Doug Hutt, the entire production team, our audiences, and every community partner who helped make it possible!
And now… Oz.
For CSJ, The Wizard of Oz has been six years in the making. This was the show we were preparing to bring to the stage in 2020 when COVID shut everything down. Six years later, we finally get to follow the Yellow Brick Road.
Our casts and production team have been working hard, the Baughman Theatre is waiting for us, and tickets are on sale NOW.
See you in Oz!
Jaime Lawrence
Center Stage Jackson Board of Directors
THE GUYS: THANK YOU, JACKSON
Thank you to everyone who joined us for The Guys! Presented during the 25th anniversary of 9/11, this production honored the first responders who answered the call that day while giving us an opportunity to recognize those who serve our own community today.
Together, we raised $3,000 for local first responders, with $1,000 donated to each of our fire, police and emergency services.
Thank you to our cast, crew, audiences and community partners who helped make this production possible:
CrossFit 517 / Bootcamp 517
Extreme Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram
JTV
Monster Motors
Pacific Sun
Printer Source Plus
Rives Quality Meats
Carly Lee
Lisa Cryderman
The Swiontek Family
First Presbyterian Church
We are grateful for the many people who showed up to support this production and our local first responders!
FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD!
Tickets are ON SALE NOW for Center Stage Jackson’s The Wizard of Oz!
After six years of waiting, we are finally bringing Oz to the stage. With two casts and six performances, you have plenty of chances to join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and the rest of our cast on their journey through Oz!
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Friday, October 2 – 7:00 PM | EAST CAST
Saturday, October 3 – 7:00 PM | WEST CAST
Sunday, October 4 – 3:00 PM | EAST CAST
Friday, October 9 – 7:00 PM | WEST CAST
Saturday, October 10 – 7:00 PM | EAST CAST
Sunday, October 11 – 3:00 PM | WEST CAST
Jackson College Potter Center – Baughman Theatre
TICKETS
Ages 12 & under – $15
Ages 13 & up – $25
All seating is general admission. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
[GET YOUR WIZARD OF OZ TICKETS]
Grab your tickets, pick your cast and get ready to follow the Yellow Brick Road with us!
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: ALEXANDER TRICE
With The Wizard of Oz just weeks away, this month’s Member Spotlight introduces the person helping lead us down the Yellow Brick Road.
Alexander Trice is serving as Stage Director and Props Master for our 2026 production of The Wizard of Oz.
Alex brings years of theatre experience to CSJ, with a background that stretches from growing up near Stratford-upon-Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Company to theatre work here in Michigan. His experience includes acting, directing, opera, education and his work with Portable Folio Productions.
In this month’s Member Spotlight, get to know Alex, hear more about the theatre experiences that shaped him and learn about the director behind our long-awaited trip to Oz.
[READ ALEXANDER TRICE’S MEMBER SPOTLIGHT]
WE’LL SEE YOU IN OZ!
October 2–4 & 9–11
Jackson College Potter Center – Baughman Theatre
Six years later, we’re finally off to see the Wizard.
